I just mentioned this on another post because it was a profound moment for me as a hunter and father. I struggle with how much time to hunt and how much time to be the best dad I can for my daughters. If I devote too much time to being domestic, I start to feel hollow. If I spend too much time in the woods I feel like I have neglected my family. So where is the balance?

Ever feel that burning need to head for the hills and woods? Ever feel a bit guilty about leaving the family behind when you go to these places?

I finally understand why the drive to be in the wilderness outweighs my duty to stay home some days during the Fall. After awhile, the feeling is too strong to ignore any longer and I MUST go out into the woods and be wild too.

Like I started off saying, I found out why I must go to my favorite hunting spots out in the foothills of SE Ohio. It isn't the killing that drives me, although that is certainly a big part of it. Rather, it is the adventure and the young boy that gets to surface when I am in these wild places.

The simple stick and string enhances the experience. It allows me to remember running through fields and woods as a kid pretending there was a bigger story afoot. I'm still that kid at heart and I still need the adventure.

What I learned, is that most of us here are adventurer's. That is why we fall asleep listening to coyotes. That is why we hunt in 10 degree weather and come home smiling. That is why we climb the hills and mountains. That is why we torture and test ourselves when others won't.

WE ARE ADVENTURERS AT HEART! So next time you dads/husbands out there feel that bit of guilt that comes with going to your secret wilderness locations, let it go. Take up the spirit of that young man and climb the next hill. You never know what you might see on the other side.

What I found was the freedom to be myself, test myself, and come home a better man than when I left.

-Charlie

Ever read the book, Wild at Heart?  A religious work, but describes perfectly what you're talking about.

Good post. I was hunting this morning and pondering what it is that drives me to want to hunt so much.
Ortega said of hunting " it is the only occupation that allows somewhat of a vacation from the human condition" ( something close to that anyway)

I take my wife with me most of the time, I feel guilty when I don't and she rubs it in plenty if she doesn't get to go, lol, but I'll still go by myself if she can't make it. When she's not there, I really hit it a lot harder, but at the same time, I try to locate game and figure out the easiest way to get her there the next time when she's with me, we both love the adventure and "THE WILD"

well said!

QuoteOriginally posted by buckeyebowhunter:
well said!

X2!!!

Biathlonman took the words right off my keyboard.

x3 for wild at heart

Very good post!

I notice that lots of us, myself included, earned their living in dangerous occupations; military, police officers, fire fighters. That need for an adrenaline rush, and the adventurous spirit that goes with occupations like those may drive us to recreational endeavors that have a physical and mental challenge where others will not go, be that mountain climbing, mountain biking in difficult terrain, or bowhunting.
I am reminded of the words to one of my favorite songs, "The Night Riders Lament", which talks about a cowboy who makes his living riding herd in remote places, and how his friends and family from his other life don't understand him at all.
"They ask me why do you ride for your money?
Why do you rope for short pay?"
His answer should connect for many of us...

"They've never seen the northern lights,
Never seen a hawk on the wing,
Never seen spring on the great divide,
Never heard ol' Camp Cookie sing."

X4 for Wild at Heart!  I think our families actually need us to be a bit wild and adventure loving.

Great post, well said.
Tom

yep...its the difference between existing...and  really livin.......

   

Great Post, Buckeye.I have felt this way many times over the past 30 plus years.  I came to the answer many years ago.  I am lucky to have a family that understands the need to be in the wild places.  My wife is the same way, but her horse bussiness keeps her from it, more often than she likes.
Centar, Chris leDoux did say it best.  After many years as a cowboy/firefighter/meat inspector/animal health tech(all at the same time)I learned that wealth is just a matter of mind.  I may not have $s, but i'm a millionare in friends, family and the Wild Places.
Johnny/JAG

I feel it's the kid in us

Outstanding post

me and you are struggling with the same situation. but you know what.. we need our time too. now we cannot neglect family, but there is no problem with getting away for a couple evenings a week. it keeps ya fresh so you are in high spirits when around the family. God bless brother!

Its a never ending struggle. I try to remind myself that men of less integrity do not even think about the fact they may be neglecting their family.

I used to love to climb trees a a kid, and I still get a child-like adventure rush everytime I hang a treestand or climb into one. Heck I still climb a tree everynow and again just for fun and I'm 35! The kids think its fun, and it drives my wife nuts!